What Mexican Food Can a Diabetic Eat?

 Tortillas, rice, and beans, countless carbs, right?  

Even though carbohydrates are a crucial part of the diet, too many can spell hazard for those who are diabetic.   

So, what does a diabetic person do? Should they stop eating Mexican food? 

The answer is NO.  

Eat Mexican food by mastering portions for your meals and being savvy with the carb preferences.  

If we talk about traditional Mexican food, those are filled with carbs which is also a cause of worry for those who are diabetic. Carbs cannot be broken down in the body by people who suffer from diabetes without taking insulin or other medications.   

If carbs expand, it raises the blood sugar levels which cause life-threatening issues.  

But the positive thing is this doesn't stop people with diabetes to eat Mexican food. 

The secret is picking food and being wise with a carb-conscious mind. 

Appetizers for Diabetics 

Guacamole is an ideal option for diabetic person at a Mexican restaurant. It is made from fresh and tender avocadoes, loaded with nutritious fats and very low in carbohydrates.  

Grab the tortilla chips with guacamole and eat them with a spoon or fork. Another alternative is to ask if veggies are available for dips, such as tomatoes, lettuce pikes, or bell pepper.  

Fresh salsa is another appetizer appropriate for diabetes dining at a Mexican restaurant. It is made from fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and jalapenos. This is a great way to start your meal or add a bit of extra condiment to your main dish. 

You can get the best guacamole and fresh salsa at La Vista, the best Mexican restaurant in Hong Kong. 

Entrées or Main Course for Diabetics  

Entrée options are abundant while ordering Mexican food. But you will have to show some willpower here because traditional Mexican food will always have tacos, burritos, flautas, chimichangas, and tostadas. All of these are loaded with carbohydrates.  

While few dishes, like tacos or burritos, can be ordered without the tortilla, you essentially have a salad. This doesn't sound as fun as a burrito but don't worry because healthy choices are always available for people with diabetes. 

One great option for diabetics is Mexican salad. Many Mexican salads are wrapped into a large tortilla fried shell which is too carb-heavy and should be removed. A safe bet is to order any salad and have the tortilla shell-bowl. Make sure to opt-out of toasted corn which adds excessive carbs. Enjoy the salad and ditch the taco shell standing if you have the willpower. 

Proof of "A job well done."  

The securest and most appetizing low-carb dish for people with Diabetes is fajitas.  

In flour or corn tortillas, fajitas are grilled meats and vegetables served with cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.  

You can customize the tortillas shells with lettuce leaves and easily make diabetic friendly tortillas to take in at a Mexican restaurant. 

The Mexican “bowls” is a unique option that caters to a healthy lifestyle. La Vista, the best Mexican restaurant in Hong Kong, is famous for this food option. 

You can use other options such as grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or portabella mushrooms served with cilantro lime rice, black beans, bell peppers, queso fresco, shredded lettuce, and sliced avocado.  

You can ask for half of the assigned rice or no rice at all. You can even skip the beans counting on your allotted carbohydrate count for the day. 

Desserts 

Desserts are something that is not meant for diabetic people! 

Most Mexican restaurants do not have many diabetic-friendly dessert choices. If you are looking for a treat, you can try a sugar-free margarita suggested at some Mexican restaurants, and sugar-free mango tea is also a rejuvenating treat. 

If that doesn't work, please have your sweet tooth, make some low-sugar flan. You can try your hand at home and make low-sugar Mexican flan.  

Never let diabetes stop you from relishing a night out with friends or with family. Just make sure you choose nutrition and health over anything else.   

Safe, innovative, and healthy options are available with a bit of research and learning.  

Save this list and replace these meals if you want to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal with no guilt of raising your blood sugar level! 

Have Tequila Instead of a Margarita 

If you are planning to imbibe, plain tequila on the rocks will compliment your tacos nicely without loading you up with sweets. 

Avoid Deep-Fried Dishes  

These may include tortilla chips. Ask your server if you can have vegetables such as jicama, radishes, or bell pepper dip in salsa or guacamole. 

Pick Your Carb 

Many Mexican dishes come with multiple sources of carbs, so pick one and adhere to it, whether it’s a tortilla, rice, or beans. 

Do Not Fear Guacamole 

Yes, guacamole is rich in fat, but it’s good to have monounsaturated fat in the avocado. Add about half a cup of this to your dish for a rich flavor boost that is easier on the arteries than cheese, which has saturated fat. 

Split An Appetizer Among Everyone at the Table  

If you are craving something a little heavy like a quesadilla spilt, you will get a tiny portion that will not affect your health. 

Make Ceviche Your BFF 

It is a light and refreshing seafood dish with citrus and another seasoning and veggies. 

Avoid sugary sauces like mole. 

Big No to Burritos 

Old-style burritos are tortillas packed with beans, rice, and some protein, which are loaded with carbs. 

Look For a Taco Salad 

Skip the deep-fried shell or crunchy bits of tortilla that might be spread on the top. 

Order Fajitas  

In many Mexican restaurants, you will get to make your fajita so that you can control the proportions in the tortilla—hint: More the veggies, the healthier it will get for you. 

Try soup for the main course, especially one with a clear broth. 

Try Fish Tacos  

Fish is an incredible protein source for diabetes. Order a platter of four tacos, and then remove the stuffing from two of the tacos and stuff it into the other two. The result? 

Half the carbs and fats with same amount of food, just make sure the fish is not fried. 

So, we can say that you can have the pleasure of eating Mexican food even by being a diabetic.  

At La Vista, we serve the best Mexican food in Hong Kong, and if you are diabetic, you can order the food with some customizations.  

What is stopping you now? 

Book your table now!